Kelley Conrad, Ph.D., Phillip Davidson, Ph.D., Caroline Molina-Ray, Ph.D., Amy Preiss, Ph.D., Barbara Shambaugh, Ph.D., Linda Suzanne Wing, Ph.D. With the University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies Faculty University of Phoenix – Online - School of Advanced Studies, Phoenix, AZ Presented by Phillip Davidson, Ph.D. (10/16/2010)

Background to the Problem In Europe, collaboration between the public and private sectors has prompted competitive healthcare markets replacing government as the leading healthcare provider. In China, a quarter century of financial reform has prompted a gradual shift toward privatization. The patient now has more options, and medical tourism continues to gather more attention. In most countries of the world, there exists a shortage of healthcare personnel.

Background to the Problem (Continued) The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) (established 1995) includes health related services. GATS could potentially change how the United States delivers care because of international obligations under this agreement including offshoring. Discrimination against WTO members not allowed by GATS.

Background to the Research The University of Phoenix, School of Advanced Studies invited doctoral faculty to participate in an online meeting to discuss the global challenges of healthcare leadership. Approximately 250 practitioner-faculty attended the meeting. The themes and patterns derived from the dialogue reflect participants’ diverse expertise as academicians, practitioners, and leaders in their fields. The full paper presents the results of a qualitative analysis of SAS faculty perspectives on global healthcare leadership based on a content analysis of the dialogue.

Themes Discovered Global Social Policy and Healthcare Leadership

Themes Discovered (Continued) Access to Resources.(Differences between wealthy nations and developing nations). Healthcare Tourism Competition for Healthcare Resources Related Issues: Technology – Treatment – Supply of Trained Professionals Emotional Nationalistic Responses The Role of Government Governmental Restrictions

Summary Effective healthcare delivery depends on the ability to generate, analyze, and interpret data. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides extensive and detailed data banks on health conditions and populations in virtually every country on earth. However, without scholarly methods to analyze and interpret the data, practitioners, and leaders are unable to translate the available information into knowledge and action. Research-based analysis and application can also assist in both the formulation of labor policies and the implementation of practical solutions to the healthcare workforce shortage. These include the application of appropriate theories and leadership principles for addressing complex issues, including setting international standards for the recruitment, training, and distribution of qualified health workers worldwide.